HVAC Damper Connector

ABSTRACT

In some embodiments, a connector includes a housing, a handle comprising a graspable portion extending from the housing that can be grasped and manipulated to by a user, and a clamping portion disposed within the housing that is configured to move when the graspable portion is manipulated, and a support disposed within the housing, the support having a first surface, wherein the clamping portion of the handle and the first surface of the clamp are configured to attach a damper assembly jackshaft to an actuator assembly quickly and without the use of tools. A damper assembly using a connector and a method of attaching an actuator assembly to a damper jackshaft are also described.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a connector between a damper and actuator suchas in an HVAC system.

BACKGROUND

A damper is a valve or plate that stops or regulates the flow of airinside a duct, chimney, air handler, or other air-handling equipment. Adamper may be used to cut off central air conditioning (either heatingor cooling) to an unused room, or to regulate it for room-by-roomtemperature and climate control. A zone damper is a specific type ofdamper used to control the flow of air in a heating, ventilation, andair conditioning (HVAC) heating or cooling system. To improve efficiencyand occupant comfort, HVAC systems are commonly divided up into multiplezones such as the main floor as one heating zone and the upstairsbedrooms as another. The heat can be directed principally to the mainfloor during the day and principally to the bedrooms at night, allowingthe unoccupied areas to cool down. Such energy savings are bothenvironmentally and economically beneficial.

Operation of a damper can be manual or automatic. Automatic dampers areused to regulate airflow constantly and are operated by electric orpneumatic motors, in turn controlled by a thermostat or buildingautomation system. Automatic or motorized dampers may also be controlledby a motor, and the degree of air-flow calibrated, for example accordingto signals from the thermostat going to the actuator of the damper tomodulate the flow of air-conditioned air. In one design, the motor iscombined with a rotary switch that can disconnect the motor at either ofthe two stopping points (“damper open” or “damper closed”).

Zone dampers as used in home HVAC systems are usually electricallypowered while in large commercial installations vacuum or compressed airmay be used instead. In either case, the motor is usually connected tothe damper via a mechanical coupling.

SUMMARY

The invention is based, in part, on the design of an HVACdamper-actuator connector that quickly connects an HVAC actuator to thejackshaft of an HVAC damper, without the need for or use of tools. Theconnector, or linkage, is a universal connector with multiple sizes,allowing the connector to quickly and easily link a variety of dampersystems to their controlling actuators.

In some implementations, a connector includes a housing, a handlecomprising a graspable portion extending from the housing that can begrasped and manipulated to by a user, and a clamping portion disposedwithin the housing that is configured to move when the graspable portionis manipulated, and a support disposed within the housing, the supporthaving a first surface, wherein the clamping portion of the handle andthe first surface of the clamp are configured to attach a damperassembly jackshaft to an actuator assembly quickly and without the useof tools. In some embodiments, the housing comprises a front face and arear face, a central hole through the front face and rear face, the rearface having attachment sites that attach the connector to the actuator,the clamping portion of the handle comprising a cam head with a curvedsurface. The handle is pivotable with respect to the housing and thesupport is rotatable with respect to the housing. The cam head comprisesa pin and the housing comprises a slot, the pin configured to slidablymate with the slot as the handle is pivoted with respect to the housing.The cam head occludes differing portions of the central hole as thehandle is pivoted with respect to the housing. The cam head and thesupport are configured to concentrically clamp onto the damper assemblyjackshaft. The cam head has a slot extending through a portion of thecam head. The support has a second surface with a profile different fromthe first surface. A fixation element prevents relative rotation of theconnector with respect to the actuator. The front face is laterallyspaced from the rear face and the cam head occupies a space between thefront face and the rear face.

In some implementations, a damper assembly includes one or more damperblades, a damper assembly jackshaft attached to the one or more damperblades, a damper actuator operable to control a position of the one ormore damper blades by rotation of the jackshaft, and a connectorconnecting the jackshaft to the actuator. The connector has a housing, ahandle comprising a graspable portion extending from the housing thatcan be grasped and manipulated to by a user, and a clamping portiondisposed within the housing that is configured to move when thegraspable portion is manipulated, and a support disposed within thehousing, the support having a first surface, wherein the clampingportion of the handle and the first surface of the support areconfigured to attach the damper assembly jackshaft to damper actuatorquickly and without the use of tools.

In some embodiments, the housing comprises a front face and a rear face,the front face laterally spaced from the rear face, and a central holethrough the front face and rear face, the rear face having attachmentsites that attach the connector to the actuator, and the clampingportion of the handle has a cam head with a curved surface at leastpartially disposed within the housing and a portion extending outsidethe housing. The clamping portion and the support are configured suchthat the curved surface of the cam head and the first surface of thesupport occlude portions of the central hole to concentrically attachthe actuator to the jackshaft. The handle is pivotable with respect tothe housing to occlude portions of the central hole. The cam headcomprises a pin and the housing comprises a slot, the pin configured toslidably mate with the slot as the handle is pivoted with respect to thehousing. The cam head occupies differing portions of the central hole asthe handle is pivoted with respect to the housing. The cam head has aslot extending through a portion of the cam head. The support has asecond surface with a profile different from the first surface.

A method of attaching an actuator assembly to a damper jackshaftincludes mounting the actuator assembly to a connector, the connectorcomprising a housing with a central hole and a handle, sliding thejackshaft through the hole in the connector housing, and rotating thehandle to tighten the connector around the jackshaft without the use oftools. In some implementations, the method includes attaching a fixationdevice to the connector to prevent relative motion between the actuatorand the jackshaft.

In some embodiments, a connector includes an attachment body, a firstarm and a second arm pivotably attached to the attachment body, a rodattached to the first and the second arms, a graspable portion attachedto the rod that can be grasped and manipulated by a user, and clampinggrips configured to move when the graspable portion is manipulated,wherein the clamping grips are configured to attach a damper assemblyjackshaft to an actuator assembly quickly and without the use of tools.

Implementations can include one or more of the following: the connectorcomprises a front face and a rear face, a central hole through the frontface and rear face, the rear face having attachment sites that attachthe connector to the actuator. The rod is pivotable with respect to thearms. The clamping grips are configured to concentrically clamp onto thedamper assembly jackshaft. A fixation element prevents relative rotationof the connector with respect to the actuator. The fixation element is aprojection that is on an outer surface of a rear plate attached to theattachment body.

In some embodiments, a damper assembly includes one or more damperblades, a damper assembly jackshaft attached to the one or more damperblades, a damper actuator operable to control a position of the one ormore damper blades by rotation of the jackshaft, and a connectorconnecting the jackshaft to the actuator. The connector includes anattachment body, a first arm and a second arm pivotably attached to theattachment body, a rod attached to the first and the second arms, agraspable portion attached to the rod that can be grasped andmanipulated by a user, and clamping grips configured to move when thegraspable portion is manipulated, wherein the clamping grips areconfigured to attach a damper assembly jackshaft to an actuator assemblyquickly and without the use of tools

In some embodiments, a method of attaching an actuator assembly to adamper jackshaft includes mounting the actuator assembly to a connector,the connector comprising a connector body with a central hole and a rod,sliding the jackshaft through the central hole in the connector housing,and rotating the rod to tighten the connector around the jackshaftwithout the use of tools.

Advantages of the invention include a rapid attachment of an actuator toa damper, requiring only seconds. The connector also advantageouslyattaches a damper and actuator without the use of tools. The connectorattaches with little force required from the user, reducing strain andeffort required to tighten a connector between a damper and an actuator.Given the number of dampers used in a commercial building, the resultingsavings in time, effort, and money are substantial.

As used herein, an HVAC damper (also called a duct damper) is a movableplate located in the ductwork of a building that regulates airflow andcan redirect it to specific areas of the building.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materialssimilar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in thepractice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods andmaterials are described below. In addition, the materials, methods, andexamples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth inthe accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features,objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thedescription and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a damper assembly.

FIGS. 2A-B are isometric and front views of an actuator-linkage assemblyfor use in the damper assembly of FIG. 1

FIGS. 3A-C are front partial cutaway views of an actuator-linkageassembly of FIG. 2B.

FIGS. 4A-C are front views of an actuator-linkage assembly of FIG. 2B.

FIGS. 5A-C are front views of an actuator-linkage assembly of FIG. 2A.

FIGS. 6A and B show a fixation system for the damper actuator-linkageassembly.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of an actuator-linkage assembly with twoslot positions.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C show front, side, and perspective views of theactuator-linkage assembly of FIG. 7 attached to an actuator.

FIGS. 9A-B are isometric and front views of an actuator-linkage assemblyfor use in the damper assembly of FIG. 1

FIGS. 10A-B are isometric and front views of an actuator-linkageassembly for use in the damper assembly of FIG. 1, with shaft attached.

FIG. 11 is a rear isometric view of the assembly of FIG. 9A.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show front and side views of the actuator-linkageassembly of FIG. 9A attached to an actuator

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention is based, in part, on configuring an HVAC damper-actuatorconnector that quickly connects an HVAC actuator to the jackshaft of anHVAC damper, without the need for or use of tools. The connector, orlinkage, is a universal connector with multiple sizes, allowing theconnector to quickly and easily link a variety of damper systems toactuators.

Referring to FIG. 1, a damper assembly 100 is used to control airflow tomaintain temperatures in an air-carrying duct 105 within buildings aspart of an HVAC system. Dampers are produced in a variety of sizes,shapes, and styles for installation in a variety of configurations.Illustrated is a damper 110 with a connecting rod or shaft, often calleda jackshaft 115, which is connected to the vanes, or blades 120, of thedamper 110. The damper 110 has multiple interconnected blades 120 thatare activated as a unit, or in some instances can have a single blade orblades that are activated as two or more units. Here, the jackshaft 115or connecting rod is connected such that rotary movement of thejackshaft 115 changes the rotary position of the blades 120, moving themfrom a “damper open” or “damper closed” position or to an intermediateposition between the two.

In the damper assembly 100, the damper jackshaft 115 is operated by anactuator assembly 125. The actuator assembly 125 is an assembly thatgenerally includes a motor. The actuator assembly 125 can receiveinstructions from a controller 135 via control wires 130. The controller135 can send signals to the actuator assembly 125 to rotate the blades120 between a “damper open,” “damper closed” position, or anintermediate position.

The actuator assembly 125 can be attached to the jackshaft 115 for themovement thereof and thus movement of the blades 120. The actuatorassembly 125 is secured to the jackshaft 115 using a clamping device orconnector 140 (also called a linkage) so that the actuator assembly 125can transfer torque to the jackshaft 115 as dictated by the controller135.

FIGS. 2A-B show an embodiment of a connector 200 (e.g., the connector140 that can be used with the damper assembly 100 of FIG. 1). Theconnector 200 has a housing or connector body 205. As can be best seenin FIG. 2A, the connector body 205 includes a front face 207 and rearface 209 that are laterally spaced from each other and connected byconnector body attachments 211. The connector body attachments 211separate the front face 207 and rear face 209 of the connector body 205and provide a spacing 213 therebetween. The front face 207 (and in someinstances the rear face 209) can have one or more face holes 215. Insome instances the face holes 215 may be attachment points rather thanholes, e.g., for connector body attachments 211, or may can have afurther functional purpose (as discussed in more detail below). Thefront face 207 includes a slot 219. The slot 219 has a step or zig-zagshape to provide a ratchet function, as discussed in more detail below.The front face 207 and rear face 209 also have a central shaft hole 221.The central shaft hole 221 allows the connector 200 to be mounted ontothe jackshaft 115 by inserting the jackshaft 115 through the centralshaft hole 221.

Pivotally attached to the connector body 205 are a handle 225 (e.g., arotatable extension) and pivotable support 227 which acts as a sizeselector. The handle 225 is attached near one end of the connector body205, while the support 227 is generally attached near the opposite endof the connector body 205. When assembled with the connector body 205,the handle 225 and support 227 each include an opposing curved surface229, 231, respectively. The curved surfaces 229, 231 extend such thatthey occupy or occlude portions of the central shaft hole 221, reducingits overall area and diameter. In some instances, one or each of the twoopposing curved surfaces 229, 231 has a gripping surface 233 such as aseries of ridged projections. These gripping surfaces may or may notinclude ridged projections. The handle curved surface 229 is curvedconvexly while the selector curved surface 231 has a V-shape, or concaveshape. However, other shapes are possible.

The two opposing surfaces 229, 231 are shaped and the handle 225 andsupport 227 arranged to facilitate clamping the surfaces onto acylindrical, square, hexagonal or other variation of a solid or hollowjackshaft 115. Further, the curvature of the two opposing surfaces 229,231 is such that the clamping device 140 can clamp and hold shafts ofvarying size and shape. The two opposing surfaces 229, 231 allow directconnection to a damper assembly's jackshaft 115 in cases where thedamper blades 120 are positioned via rotary movement of the jackshaft115. In some instances, the surfaces 229, 231 can also be connected to adamper mounting accessory using a crank arm to position the damperblades 120 via linear movement of the crank arm.

The handle 225 and support 227 are each pivotally attached to theconnector body 205. Rotation of the handle 225 in one direction causesthe two opposing curved surfaces 229, 231 to close or move towards eachother, while rotation of the handle 225 in the opposite direction causesthe two opposing surfaces 229, 231 to open or move further apart.

Referring as well to FIGS. 3A-C, front partial cutaway views of theconnector 200 show elements of the connector 200. The handle 225 has acurved head or cam 235 that is integrally attached to a graspableportion 237 of the handle 225. The cam 235 of the handle 225 has a pin239 that protrudes outwardly from one or both lateral sides of the cam235. When the connector 200 is assembled, the pin 239 is configured toslidably fit within the slot 219 of the front face 207 (and in someinstances in a slot 219 on the rear face 209). A user can grasp thehandle 225 and slide the pin 239 within the slot 239.

The cam 235 of the handle 225 (e.g., the portion that includes the pin219) has a generally smooth, arcuate shape. The graspable portion 237 ofthe handle 235 widens to create the cam 235 with top surface that curvesgenerally convexly such that the cam 235 is wider than the graspableportion 237 of the handle 235. A portion of the handle 235 opposite thetop surface curves convexly and then concavely, creating a bulge 241(that has an inflection point as the surface curves between inwards andoutwards). The bulge 241 extends outwardly and includes the handlecurved surface 229. When the connector 200 is assembled, the bulge 241with the curved surface 229 is visible through the central shaft hole221. The graspable portion 237 of the handle 235 can be smooth, orinclude ridges for easier gripping. The graspable portion 235 can beround, cylindrical, pointed, or any other shape that can be easilygripped by a user. The width of the cam is approximately the same as thewidth of the spacing 213 between the front face 207 and rear face 209 ofthe connector body 205, or approximately the same length of theconnector body attachments 211. As the user rotates the handle 225 andthus the cam 235 relative to the connector body 205, the lateral sidesthe cam 235 (e.g., the sides from which pin(s) 239 extend) rub againstthe and front face 207 and rear face 209. In some instances there is asmall gap between the cam 235 and the front face 207 and rear face 209(e.g., less than 1 mm).

The support 227 has a pivot point 245 that allows the support 227 torotate into different positions with respect to the connector body 205.Each side of the support 227 has a differing shape. The first side has afirst curved surface 231A. The first curved surface 231A is notched,e.g., has a V-shape of a selected width and depth. The second curvedsurface 231B has a V-shape with a width and depth different from thefirst curved surface 231A. The third curved surface 231C has a V-shapewith a width and depth different from the first curved surface 231A andsecond curved surface 231B. The fourth curved surface 231D has a V-shapewith a width and depth different from the first curved surface 231A,second curved surface 231B, and third curved surface 231C. In someembodiments, any of curved surfaces 231A, B, C, D can have no V-shape(e.g., be flat as illustrated by surface 231D) or have a same shape asanother of the curved surfaces 231A, B, C, D. Although four sides 231are shown, more or fewer sides are possible.

The different notched or curved surfaces 231A, B, C, D are sized andshaped to fit differing jackshafts 115. A user can rotate the support227 about its pivot point 245 such that a chosen surface 231A, B, C, Dis directed toward the handle curved surface 229 and is visible throughthe central shaft hole 221. An indicator of which surface 231 iscurrently available for use can be shown through an indicator window 247in the connector body 205. The different notched or curved surfaces231A, B, C, D are sized and shaped to coordinate with the handle curvedsurface 229 such that jackshafts 115 of differing sizes can be securedtherebetween.

In FIG. 3A, the support 227 is in a first position with the first curvedsurface 231A showing through the central shaft hole 221. The pin 239 ofthe cam 235 of the handle 225 is in a first position within the slot219. In the first slot position, the bulge 241 with the curved surface229 of the cam 235 extends into the central shaft hole 221 to itsmaximum state, e.g., the opening of the central shaft hole 221 isgreatly reduced compared to other positions (FIGS. 3B and 3C). In thisconfiguration, the connector 200 is arranged to accept a relativelysmall diameter jackshaft 115 (e.g., ½ inch jackshaft). If a largerdiameter hole is required, the user grasps the handle 225 to rotate thehandle 225 towards the connector body 205 to its second position (FIG.3B). The pin 239 of the cam 235 slides along the slot 219. As can beseen, the slot 219 is shaped that an inward rotary movement of thehandle 225 allows the pin 239 to move to the second position, where itis held in place due to the zig-zag shape of the slot 219. The user mayalso rotate the support 227 to its second position, (e.g., with curvedsurface 231B visible). The connector 200 is then ready to accept a widerjackshaft 115 (e.g., ¾ inch diameter) that is still concentricallycentered on a center point of the central shaft hole 221. If a stilllarger diameter hole is required, the user grasps the handle 225 torotate the handle 225 towards the connector body 205 to its thirdposition (FIG. 3C). The pin 239 of the cam 235 slides along the slot 219which is shaped so that the inward rotary movement of the handle 225allows the pin 239 to move to the third position, where it is held inplace. The user may also rotate the support 227 to its third position,(e.g., with curved surface 231C visible). The connector 200 is ready toaccept a wider jackshaft 115 (e.g., 1 inch diameter). The threepositions are also shown in FIGS. 4A-C and FIGS. 5A-C.

In use, a user may easily slide the connector 200 onto a jackshaft 115with the handle 225 and support 227 at their desired positions (e.g.,positioned to accept and clamp a jackshaft 115 of the required size bypositioning the support 227 with one of the curved surfaces 231 directedtowards the handle curved surface which is also at the desired locationby moving the handle 225 to first, second, or third positions within theslot 219). The user then pushes on the handle 225 (e.g. rotates itslightly inward) to its final position. Very little time and very littleforce is required to secure the connector 200 in its locked position. Insome instances a final click (e.g., a ridge or other discontinuity) mayhelp secure the positioning of the connector 200.

The handle curved surface 229 and the selector curved surface 231self-center the jackshaft 115 when the two opposing members aretightened around the jackshaft 115. Securing the jackshaft 115concentrically within the central shaft hole 221 minimizes thelikelihood of having side loads on the actuator assembly 125 that willtwist the actuator assembly 125. This securing minimizes the possibilitythat any threaded or unthreaded mounting fasteners will become loosefrom their holes or fatigue and fail.

The cam 235 also includes a groove 249. The groove 249 is longitudinaland generally parallel to the bulge 241. The cam 235 is configured suchthat when a jackshaft 115 is positioned within the central shaft hole,the groove 249 allows a small amount of compression of the cam 235,e.g., less than 2 degrees, or less than 2 mm. The groove 249 acts as aspring or flexible element of the cam 235, allowing the connector 200 toattach to a jackshaft 115 that may be machined with a diameter largerthan nominal. The connector 200 can thus accommodate a range of sizes ofshafts.

FIGS. 6A and B show an embodiment of a fixation system for a damperassembly 100 including an actuator linkage or connector 200 thatattaches to an actuator assembly 125 (of FIG. 1). One of the face holes215 on the front face 207 of the connector body 205 has one or morecorresponding handle holes 255. The handle hole 255 allows a fixationstem 257 to be inserted through both the connector body 205 and thehandle hole 255. The fixation stem 257 keeps the handle 225 in itsselected position (e.g., in position one, two, or three in the slot219). The fixation stem 257 may also extend through the rear face 209,and to the actuator assembly 125. The fixation stem 257 may insert intoa slot or hole within the actuator assembly 125 and prevent rotation ofthe connector 200 with respect to the actuator assembly 125. Only asingle handle hole 255 is illustrated, however there may be a handlehole 255 for each different handle position (e.g., 3 holes). There mayalso be holes located at a different portion of the handle 225 thanshown.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a connector 300 that can be used with thedamper assembly 100 of FIG. 1. The connector 300 is similar to theconnector 200 as described above, however has a slot 319 with two,rather than three positions. The connector 300 can also have a fixationclamp, which is a C clip.

FIGS. 8A-C show front, side, and perspective views of anactuator-linkage assembly 400 with the connector 300 of FIG. 7 attachedto an actuator assembly 125. The actuator-linkage assembly 400 should beunderstood to include any connector described herein, e.g., connector140, connector 200, or connector 300. As best shown in FIG. 8B, theconnector 300 may attach to the actuator assembly 125 with one or moreactuator attachments 411. For example, the actuator attachments 411 mayinclude rods that protrude from a front face 351 of the actuatorassembly 125 that fit into face holes 215 on the rear face 209 of theconnector body 205. In some instances the connector 300 may attach tothe rear face 361 of the actuator assembly 125.

The connectors described above can attach an actuator to a damper veryquickly, e.g., in less than 10 seconds, less than 5 seconds, less than 4seconds. The user simply mounts the actuator assembly to the connector,slides the jackshaft through the hole in the connector housing, androtates the handle slightly to tighten the connector around thejackshaft. The entire process occurs without the use of tools.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show another embodiment of a connector 400 (e.g., theconnector 140 that can be used with the damper assembly 100 of FIG. 1)that can be fastened without the use of tools. The connector 400 has ahousing or connector body 405. The connector body 405 includes a leftarm 407 and right arm 409 that are spaced from each other and connectedby a connector body attachment 411. The connector body attachment 411 isattached such that each of the left arm 407 and right arm 409 ispivotable relative to the connector body attachment 411 and provides aspacing 413 therebetween. The left arm 407 and right arm 409 includegrips 419 on their inner surfaces, e.g., facing each other. The grips419 can be a knurled shape to grip a central shaft, as discussed in moredetail below. The grips 419 extend such that they occupy or occludeportions of a central shaft hole 421, reducing its overall area anddiameter. These grips 419 may or may not include ridged projections.Also visible in FIG. 9A is shim 437.

Rotatably attached to the connector body 405 at the end of the left andright arms 407, 409 is a rod 425 (e.g., a rotatable extension) with aknob 427, which provides the clamping force to attach the connector 400to a jackshaft 115. The rod 425 is attached near one end of the left andright arms 407, 409, while the connector body attachment 411 isgenerally attached near the opposite end of the arms. The rod 425extends through both of the left and right arms 407, 409. When the knob427 is rotated, the action causes the left and right arms 407, 409 toclamp together, pivoting with respect to the connector body attachment411. Further, the curvature of the grips 419 is such that the clampingdevice 400 can clamp and hold shafts of varying size and shape. The twoopposing grips 419 allow direct connection to a damper assembly'sjackshaft 115 in cases where the damper blades 120 are positioned viarotary movement of the jackshaft 115. In some instances, the left andright arms 407, 409 can also be connected to a damper mounting accessoryusing a crank arm to position the damper blades 120 via linear movementof the crank arm.

The rod 425 with attached knob 427 is pivotally attached to theconnector body attachment 411. Rotation of the rod 425 in one directioncauses the two opposing left and right arms 407, 409 to close or movetowards each other, while rotation of the rod 425 in the oppositedirection causes the left and right arms 407, 409 to open or movefurther apart.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show the connector 400 connected to the jackshaft(e.g., connected as is the connector 140 that can be used with thedamper assembly 100 of FIG. 1). Also shown is rear plate 403 (that isshown only in outline in FIGS. 9A, B), which has a central shaft hole421. The central shaft hole 421 allows the connector 400 to be mountedonto the jackshaft 115 by inserting the jackshaft 115 through thecentral shaft hole 421 and the spacing 413. The rear plate 403 attachesto a rear aspect of the connector body attachment 411. As can be seenmost clearly in FIG. 11, the rear plate 403 is generally annular inshape, and can have an inner surface 439 that has a series of ridgedprojections, and an outer surface 441 that has a projection 443.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show front and side views of an actuator-linkageassembly 400 with the connector 300 of FIG. 9A attached to an actuatorassembly 125. As best shown in FIG. 12B, the connector 400 may attach tothe actuator assembly 125 via the rear plate 403. In some instances, theactuator attachments 411 may include rods that protrude from a frontface of the actuator assembly 125 and fit into holes on a rear face ofthe connector 400.

In use, a user may easily slide the connector 400 onto a jackshaft 115.The user then rotates the rod 425 via the knob 427 to its finalposition. Very little time and very little force is required to securethe connector 400 in its locked position. In some instances a finalclick (e.g., a ridge or other discontinuity such as the projection 443)may help secure the positioning of the connector 400.

The curved surfaces of the grips 419 self-center the jackshaft 115 whenthe two opposing left and right arms 407, 409 are tightened around thejackshaft 115. Securing the jackshaft 115 concentrically within thecentral shaft hole 421 minimizes the likelihood of having side loads onthe actuator assembly 125 that will twist the actuator assembly 125.This securing minimizes the possibility that any threaded or unthreadedmounting fasteners will become loose from their holes or fatigue andfail. The connector 400 can thus accommodate a range of sizes of shafts.

The connectors described is above with respect to attaching an actuatorto a damper jackshaft. However, a typical HVAC or process controlapplication can also include valve stems operated by an actuator. Theconnectors described herein may be attached to a jackshaft or valve stemfor the actuation.

Actuator assembly can be either individually directly mounted to adamper's jackshaft to position the damper blades by means of angularrotation. Alternatively, multiple actuator assemblies can be connectedto a single jackshaft. In this case, the multiple actuator assemblieshave the same type of input signal and the same torque output rating sothe multiple actuator assemblies simultaneously contribute torque inunison to position a larger size damper blade(s) by angular rotation.

While this specification contains many implementation details, theseshould not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention orof what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specificto particular embodiments of the invention. Certain features that aredescribed in this specification in the context of separate embodimentscan also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment.Conversely, various features that are described in the context of asingle embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodimentsseparately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, althoughfeatures may be described above as acting in certain combinations andeven initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimedcombination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and theclaimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation ofa subcombination.

A number of embodiments of the invention have been described.Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Forexample, the actuator load can include a jackshaft and damper blade(s)or a valve plug or valve linkage shaft and linkage and valve plug, ball,gate, butterfly, etc. In an additional example, the handle describedabove can be modified to include a sliding wedge rather than a rotatingcam to generate the same locking effect. Accordingly, other embodimentsare within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A connector comprising: a housing; a handlecomprising: a graspable portion extending from the housing that can begrasped and manipulated by a user, and a clamping portion disposedwithin the housing that is configured to move when the graspable portionis manipulated; and a support disposed within the housing, the supporthaving a first surface, wherein the clamping portion of the handle andthe first surface of the clamp are configured to attach a damperassembly jackshaft to an actuator assembly quickly and without the useof tools.
 2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises afront face and a rear face, a central hole through the front face andrear face, the rear face having attachment sites that attach theconnector to the actuator, the clamping portion of the handle comprisinga cam head with a curved surface.
 3. The connector of claim 2, whereinthe handle is pivotable with respect to the housing and the support isrotatable with respect to the housing.
 4. The connector of claim 3,wherein the cam head comprises a pin and the housing comprises a slot,the pin configured to slidably mate with the slot as the handle ispivoted with respect to the housing.
 5. The connector of claim 3,wherein the cam head occludes differing portions of the central hole asthe handle is pivoted with respect to the housing.
 6. The connector ofclaim 2, wherein the cam head and the support are configured toconcentrically clamp onto the damper assembly jackshaft.
 7. Theconnector of claim 2, wherein the cam head has a slot extending througha portion of the cam head.
 8. The connector of claim 2, wherein thesupport has a second surface with a profile different from the firstsurface.
 9. A damper assembly comprising: one or more damper blades; adamper assembly jackshaft attached to the one or more damper blades; adamper actuator operable to control a position of the one or more damperblades by rotation of the jackshaft; and a connector connecting thejackshaft to the actuator, the connector comprising: a housing, a handlecomprising: a graspable portion extending from the housing that can begrasped and manipulated to by a user, and a clamping portion disposedwithin the housing that is configured to move when the graspable portionis manipulated, and a support disposed within the housing, the supporthaving a first surface, wherein the clamping portion of the handle andthe first surface of the support are configured to attach the damperassembly jackshaft to damper actuator quickly and without the use oftools.
 10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the housing comprises afront face and a rear face, the front face laterally spaced from therear face, and a central hole through the front face and rear face, therear face having attachment sites that attach the connector to theactuator, and the clamping portion of the handle has a cam head with acurved surface at least partially disposed within the housing and aportion extending outside the housing.
 11. The assembly of claim 10,wherein the clamping portion and the support are configured such thatthe curved surface of the cam head and the first surface of the supportocclude portions of the central hole to concentrically attach theactuator to the jackshaft.
 12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein thehandle is pivotable with respect to the housing to occlude portions ofthe central hole.
 13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the cam headcomprises a pin and the housing comprises a slot, the pin configured toslidably mate with the slot as the handle is pivoted with respect to thehousing.
 14. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the cam head occupiesdiffering portions of the central hole as the handle is pivoted withrespect to the housing.
 15. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the supporthas a second surface with a profile different from the first surface.16. A method of attaching an actuator assembly to a damper jackshaft,comprising: mounting the actuator assembly to a connector, the connectorcomprising a housing with a central hole and a rotatable extension;sliding the jackshaft through the hole in the connector housing; androtating the rotatable extension to tighten the connector around thejackshaft without the use of tools.
 17. The method of claim 16,comprising attaching a fixation device to the connector to preventrelative motion between the actuator and the jackshaft.
 18. A damperassembly comprising: one or more damper blades; a damper assemblyjackshaft attached to the one or more damper blades; a damper actuatoroperable to control a position of the one or more damper blades byrotation of the jackshaft; and a connector connecting the jackshaft tothe actuator, the connector comprising: an attachment body; a first armand a second arm pivotably attached to the attachment body; a rodattached to the first and the second arms; a graspable portion attachedto the rod that can be grasped and manipulated by a user; and clampinggrips configured to move when the graspable portion is manipulated,wherein the clamping grips are configured to attach a damper assemblyjackshaft to an actuator assembly quickly and without the use of tools.19. The damper assembly of claim 18, wherein the rod is pivotable withrespect to the arms.
 20. The damper assembly of claim 18, wherein theclamping grips are configured to concentrically clamp onto the damperassembly jackshaft.
 21. The damper assembly of claim 18, comprising afixation element that prevents relative rotation of the connector withrespect to the actuator.
 22. The damper assembly of claim 21, whereinthe fixation element is a projection that is on an outer surface of arear plate attached to the attachment body.